The future of supply chain is entering a pivotal moment, and in this episode of Supply Chain Now, we unpack the trends, risks, and realities that will define 2026 and beyond. From geopolitical uncertainty and economic turbulence to shifting trade policy, energy innovation, and workforce challenges, this conversation cuts through the headlines to focus on what supply chain leaders must be ready for now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG! Listen in as hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr break down the most critical forces reshaping global supply chains — and what they mean for strategy, resilience, and execution in an increasingly volatile world. They’re joined by special guest Tanzil Uddin, Senior Vice President of Content and Partnerships at Manifest, who brings a unique perspective on industry leadership, community, and the broader role supply chains play in society. Together, they discuss: Why geopolitical risk and economic turbulence are no longer episodic — and how leaders must redesign supply chains for constant volatility The potential implications of upcoming Supreme Court decisions on tariffs and what normalization of trade disruption could mean for 2026 planning Five defining trends executives should be watching closely, including supply chain fragmentation, cost optimization pressures, AI…

The data doesn’t lie, and in Q1 2026, it’s telling a story the freight industry hasn’t seen in years. In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Bobby Holland, Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the American Trucking Associations, for a deep dive into the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q1 2026. The episode unpacks seven critical takeaways from the quarter, including a historic 12.9% spike in freight spending, a rare supply-side recovery driven by tightening capacity and surging fuel costs, and regional breakdowns across the West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast, with stops on tariff impacts, cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, and what a $7.22-per-gallon diesel price in California means for the broader economy. Together, they explore why this recovery is unlike anything we’ve seen since the pandemic boom, what the Goldman Sachs recession outlook gets right (and wrong), and how supply chain leaders can use real, verified freight data, not feelings, to make smarter decisions in an unpredictable 2026.   This episode is hosted by Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa. Produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua…